Public invited to documentary on rare disease

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The public is invited to view a special screening of a documentary about progeria, a rare and fatal aging disease in children, on Saturday in Wiggin Auditorium at City Hall. The Peabody-based Progeria Research Foundation is joining with the Rotary Club of Peabody to offer the presentation. The 90-minute HBO movie “Life According to Sam” premiered on the channel on Oct. 21. It tells the story of a family’s fight to save their child from the disease. Saturday’s event, open to all, begins with a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by the movie showing at 7:30 p.m. and a subsequent question-and-answer session. There is no cost to attend but donations to support the foundation are welcome. The nonprofit raises money to combat progeria. The group’s executive director and founder, Peabody resident Audrey Gordon, is the aunt of Sam Berns, the boy featured in the film. Gordon is a former planner for the city of Peabody. The Rotary Club, as part of its charitable work, is seeking to raise money for the foundation. Tickets are available at the door but seating is limited. For information or to purchase a ticket in advance, go to www.progeria.eventbrite.com.